Support Critical Funding for Alzheimer's Programs - HB 1338
In South Dakota, over 18,000 people aged 65 or older are living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and nearly 20,000 South Dakotans are providing unpaid care. Increased funding for important state programs like respite care and support could change the lives of these South Dakotans living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Respite care provides a much-needed break for family caregivers and allows the caregiver to take care of their personal medical issues, complete tasks outside of the home, or simply enjoy time off from the demands of caregiving. Therefore, the Alzheimer’s Association is calling on legislators to increase funding by at least 6%, as reflected in HB 1338, for the Department of Human Services to support programs for persons living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in South Dakota.
South Dakota State Plan Overview
The South Dakota Alzheimer’s Disease State Plan Work Group was established in 2015 and expanded in April 2017 to a larger group of stakeholders, charged with creating the state’s response to Alzheimer’s. The Work Group conducted a comprehensive needs assessment and hosted town halls across the state, paid in part by a South Dakota Community Foundation Community Innovation Grant. In June 2018, the South Dakota State Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias was published.
South Dakota State Advocacy Day
February 15, 2022
The South Dakota 2022 State Advocacy Day has passed but there is still time to take action in support of South Dakota families living with Alzheimer's and other dementias by reaching out to state lawmakers! Thank you to all who participated in this year's event. Please join us again next year!
